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Pilot Study of Reproductive Health Counseling in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic
Author(s) -
Ronis Tova,
Frankovich Jennifer,
Yen Sophia,
Sandborg Christy,
Chira Peter
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.22159
Subject(s) - reproductive health , medicine , family medicine , reproductive medicine , health care , pregnancy , population , environmental health , biology , economics , genetics , economic growth
Objective To assess perception and behavior after reproductive health counseling among adolescent patients in a tertiary care–based pediatric rheumatology clinic. Methods Adolescent females seen at a Stanford pediatric rheumatology clinic were prospectively enrolled during routine visits. At the study start, standard clinic procedures were reviewed with providers for the following: 1) the home, education, activities, drugs, sexual activity, and suicide/depression (HEADSS) assessment; 2) reproductive health counseling; and 3) medical record documentation. Patients were enrolled if providers indicated that they performed the HEADSS assessment and reproductive health counseling. At enrollment, patients completed a survey to assess their perceptions of reproductive health counseling. Chart reviews confirmed documented discussions. A followup survey performed 3–5 months after enrollment tracked reproductive health information–seeking behavior. Results In total, 90 females (mean ± SD age 17 ± 2 years) participated. Almost all patients (99%) agreed that reproductive health was discussed; 71% reported that pregnancy risks were discussed, 42% had recent concerns about reproductive health, and 33% reported their provider recommended that they seek further reproductive health care. Eighty‐four patients completed followup phone surveys, with 25% reporting seeking further information on reproductive health concerns, but with only 9.5% actually seeking further care. Only 18% of patients reported having ever asked their rheumatology provider for guidance regarding reproductive health care concerns. Conclusion Routine reproductive health discussion and counseling are necessary in a rheumatology clinic because, in our experience, a substantial number of adolescents have concerns and actively seek reproductive health information. Despite these discussions, adolescents rarely pursue further reproductive health care. Further work to bridge this gap is needed.